by Hobbs, New Mexico — A federal grand jury has indicted four alleged members of the Navarrette Drug Trafficking Organization, which operated primarily in Hobbs and Lea County, New Mexico, selling cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The indictment, filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, alleges the group sold high-purity narcotics to undercover federal agents and other buyers, including one who reportedly overdosed on fentanyl.
Undercover Purchases Reveal Scale of Operation
Court records indicate that undercover operations began on Oct. 17, 2024, when gang members delivered a few grams of meth mixed with other substances for $500. Within weeks, both the volume and purity of the drugs increased.
Between late 2024 and mid-2025, Raul Navarrette Muñoz, 44, allegedly sold just under a pound of pure meth to agents for $3,500 per delivery. On July 8, he reportedly sold 1.2 kilos of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.
Fentanyl Overdose Raises Alarm
On Aug. 1, a woman identified as Amanda Ortega informed Navarrette that fentanyl he had sold caused a customer to overdose. Investigators noted that Ortega warned Navarrette about the potential murder liability if someone died from the potent substance.
The indictment also details that in September 2025, Navarrette allegedly attempted to coordinate the sale of 8 pounds of methamphetamine to undercover agents, while his sons were concurrently selling cocaine at a Hobbs hotel. One son was arrested on Sept. 4 with cocaine, a loaded firearm, and a drug ledger documenting transactions.
Warrants Executed on Multiple Properties
Federal law enforcement officials executed warrants on six properties tied to the organization. Authorities seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, 15 rifles, and 14 pistols, highlighting the armed and organized nature of the group.
The investigation was conducted by a Homeland Security Task Force, involving multiple federal agencies across New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that dismantling the Navarrette Drug Trafficking Organization is a priority due to the high risk posed by fentanyl and other potent drugs. Officials warned that high-purity meth and fentanyl contribute to serious public health risks, including overdoses and violent crime.
Authorities also stressed the importance of federal collaboration across jurisdictions to effectively target multi-state drug trafficking networks and prevent distribution in local communities.
Have Your Say
Do you think federal task forces are effectively addressing the rise of high-purity meth and fentanyl in New Mexico? Comment below and share your thoughts.
